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Purpose: Thyroid cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with ultrasound-guided biopsy being the method of choice for its early detection. The accuracy of diagnostics directly depends on the qualifications of the ultrasonographers, whose performance can be enhanced through training with phantoms. The aim of this study is to propose a reproducible methodology for designing a neck phantom for ultrasound training and research from widely available materials and to validate its applicability. Methods: The phantom was made using polyvinyl chloride mixed with additives to reproduce different levels of brightness on ultrasound screens. 3D printing and casting were used to create the neck model and various structures of the neck, including bones, cartilage, arteries, veins, lymph nodes, thyroid gland, and soft tissues. The small objects, such as tumor and lymph node models, were shaped manually. All the phantom's materials were carefully selected to match the ultrasonic speed and attenuation values of real soft tissues and bones. Results: The thyroid gland contains models of a cancerous and cystic nodule. In the neck, there are models of carotid arteries and jugular veins filled with ultrasound-transparent gel. Additionally, there are replicas of lymph nodes and bone structures such as hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, trachea, and vertebrae. The resulting phantom covers the entire neck area and has been positively received by practicing ultrasound specialists. Conclusions: The proposed manufacturing technology offers a reliable and cost-effective approach to produce an anthropomorphic neck phantom for ultrasound diagnosis of the thyroid gland. The realistic simulation provided by the phantom enhances the quality and accuracy of ultrasound examinations, contributing to better training for medical professionals and improved patient care. Subsequent research efforts can concentrate on refining the fabrication process and exploring additional features to enhance the phantom's capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cable saddle structure is the main support component for long-span bridges to transmit cable force, which is of great significance for the structural force system. Nowadays, the main cable saddle structures used in long-span bridges are mainly traditional anti-slip saddles and innovative rolling saddles. To clarify the characteristics of the saddles in long-span bridges, the design principles, mechanical properties, and casting process of these two types of saddle structures were researched. A rolling saddle in a bridge project was taken as an example and its mechanical situation in the roller area was investigated. The results showed that the stress concentration phenomenon is prone to occurring in the rolling saddle because of the line contact in the contact area and the rolling saddle is mainly subjected to vertical force. Thus, attention should be paid to the von Mises stress in the contact area between the saddle base and the roller shaft, the lower surfaces of both ends of the roller shaft, and the top surface of the tower, to avoid material damage. Furthermore, the casting process of the anti-slip saddle structure is mature, but also faced with problems due to the welding of thick plates, and urgently needs to be improved and upgraded. The rolling saddle is used with the all-welded casting process, but its technology is relatively immature and the requirements for the roller shaft material performance are strict. The research results can provide a reference for the selection and design of the saddle structure in long-span bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors, which enable nanoscale confinement and manipulation of light, offer the enhanced sensitivity and electromagnetic energy localization. The integration of LSPR with the fiber-optic technology has led to the development of compact and versatile sensors for miniaturization and remote sensing. This comprehensive review explores various sensor configurations, fiber types, and geometric shapes, highlighting their benefits in terms of sensitivity, integration, and performance improvement. Fabrication techniques such as focused non-chemical bonding strategies and self-assembly of nanoparticles are discussed, providing control over nanostructure morphology and enhancing sensor performance. Bio-applications of fiber-optic LSPR (FOLSPR) sensors are detailed, specifically in biomolecular interactions and analysis of proteins, pathogens and cells, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and other small molecules (organic compounds and heavy metal ions). Surface modification and detection schemes are emphasized for their potential for label-free and real-time biosensing. The challenges and prospects of FOLSPR sensors are addressed, including the developments in sensitivity, fabrication techniques, and measurement reliability. Integration with emerging technologies such as nanomaterials is highlighted as a promising direction for future research. Overall, this review provides insights into the advancements and potential applications of FOLSPR sensors, paving the way for sensitive and versatile optical biosensing platforms in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors, which enable nanoscale confinement and manipulation of light, offer the enhanced sensitivity and electromagnetic energy localization. The integration of LSPR with the fiber-optic technology has led to the development of compact and versatile sensors for miniaturization and remote sensing. This comprehensive review explores various sensor configurations, fiber types, and geometric shapes, highlighting their benefits in terms of sensitivity, integration, and performance improvement. Fabrication techniques such as focused non-chemical bonding strategies and self-assembly of nanoparticles are discussed, providing control over nanostructure morphology and enhancing sensor performance. Bio-applications of fiber-optic LSPR (FOLSPR) sensors are detailed, specifically in biomolecular interactions and analysis of proteins, pathogens and cells, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and other small molecules (organic compounds and heavy metal ions). Surface modification and detection schemes are emphasized for their potential for label-free and real-time biosensing. The challenges and prospects of FOLSPR sensors are addressed, including the developments in sensitivity, fabrication techniques, and measurement reliability. Integration with emerging technologies such as nanomaterials is highlighted as a promising direction for future research. Overall, this review provides insights into the advancements and potential applications of FOLSPR sensors, paving the way for sensitive and versatile optical biosensing platforms in various fields.

Environmental monitoring for the detection and regulation of toxic gases is of paramount importance. This study proposes the modeling and fabrication of MEMS devices based on the standard Polysilicon Multi-Users MEMS Process (PolyMUMPs) for acetone gas detection. Titanium dioxide ( $TiO_{2}$ ) nanoparticles has been incorporated onto the top sensor’s surface, amplifying its detection sensitivity. The study delves into Electrothermal mechanisms that has integrated with the embedded microheater to induce thermal forces. This enhancement significantly improves the acetone gas detection capabilities of the device with high sensitivity and low detection limit. Results include the displacement amplitude of the uncoated PolyMUMPs sensor, with exploration of the coated device’s behavior under different heating voltages. Electrothermal actuation is employed, and the output voltage is measured using an MS3110 universal capacitive readout circuit. Comparisons of uncoated and coated devices has been investigated, demonstrating the influence of the sensing material that improve the detection performance. This investigation delves into the impact of varying coating thickness on the PolyMUMPs sensor’s performance. The mass sensitivity of the device is found to be 3.8574 mHz/pg, while the detection limit indicates that the device can detect up to 44 part per billion (ppb) at resonance frequency of 7.627 kHz.

The cable saddle structure is the main support component for long-span bridges to transmit cable force, which is of great significance for the structural force system. Nowadays, the main cable saddle structures used in long-span bridges are mainly traditional anti-slip saddles and innovative rolling saddles. To clarify the characteristics of the saddles in long-span bridges, the design principles, mechanical properties, and casting process of these two types of saddle structures were researched. A rolling saddle in a bridge project was taken as an example and its mechanical situation in the roller area was investigated. The results showed that the stress concentration phenomenon is prone to occurring in the rolling saddle because of the line contact in the contact area and the rolling saddle is mainly subjected to vertical force. Thus, attention should be paid to the von Mises stress in the contact area between the saddle base and the roller shaft, the lower surfaces of both ends of the roller shaft, and the top surface of the tower, to avoid material damage. Furthermore, the casting process of the anti-slip saddle structure is mature, but also faced with problems due to the welding of thick plates, and urgently needs to be improved and upgraded. The rolling saddle is used with the all-welded casting process, but its technology is relatively immature and the requirements for the roller shaft material performance are strict. The research results can provide a reference for the selection and design of the saddle structure in long-span bridges.

Silicon radiation detectors, a special type of microelectronic sensor which plays a crucial role in many applications, are reviewed in this paper, focusing on fabrication aspects. After addressing the basic concepts and the main requirements, the evolution of detector technologies is discussed, which has been mainly driven by the ever-increasing demands for frontier scientific experiments.

ABSTRACTLight field 3D display has attracted great attention as the hardware interface for a virtual 3D application. The design and fabrication of light-modulating structures directly affect the authenticity of the reconstructed 3D image. The critical challenges in 3D display, such as visual fatigue, limited motion parallax, and insufficient light efficiency, are closely related to the inaccurate phase or angular reconstruction of the virtual light field. While the designs of light field modulators are widely introduced in all kinds of studies, the importance of fabrication for 3D display is usually under-estimated. Large format, small feature size, and high precision in shape are the three critical requirements of fabrication for 3D display. In this paper, we focus on the fabrication technologies for light-modulating structures. Fabrication tools for both microstructures and nanostructures are introduced. The fabrication capability, critical challenges and its applications in light field 3D display are discussed. Finally, the future development of 3D display related fabrication technologies are highlighted.

A modular microfluidic system can be used to quickly set up an individually adaptable microfluidic network by linking and delinking different functional building blocks. We present a convenient and reliable connection technology, which is based on magnets and casted O-ring-like structures leading to a sealed connection without the need of additional sealing materials. Based on an improved, previously presented fabrication technology, modular microfluidic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) blocks using a polyurethane (PU) mold, 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) channel structures and a magnetic connection system in combination with a casted O-ring link, featuring various integration technologies have now been designed and experimentally evaluated. In particular, this paper will address the realization of directional valves, reciprocating pumps, finger pumps, directly-cast check- and Tesla-valves, fluidic flow sensors, fluidic mixers, commercial valves, and various sensors. By using different measurement setups, the feasibility of these devices is demonstrated. Moreover, limitations and issues encountered during fabrication as well as future work are discussed.

Silicon radiation detectors, a special type of microelectronic sensor which plays a crucial role in many applications, are reviewed in this paper, focusing on fabrication aspects. After addressing the basic concepts and the main requirements, the evolution of detector technologies is discussed, which has been mainly driven by the ever-increasing demands for frontier scientific experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Moore's Law has been the driving force behind the semiconductor industry for several decades, but as silicon-based transistors approach their physical limits, researchers are searching for new materials to sustain this exponential growth. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), with their atomically thin structure and enticing physical properties, have emerged as the most promising candidates for downsizing and improving device integration. Emboldened by the direction of achieving large-area and high-quality TMDs growth, wafer-scale TMDs growth strategies have been continuously developed, suggesting that TMDs are poised to become a new platform for next-generation electronic devices. In this review, advanced synthesis routes and inherent properties of wafer-scale TMDs were critically assessed. In addition, the performance in electronic devices was also discussed, providing an outlook on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in their development.

Light field 3D display has attracted great attention as the hardware interface for a virtual 3D application. The design and fabrication of light-modulating structures directly affect the authenticity of the reconstructed 3D image. The critical challenges in 3D display, such as visual fatigue, limited motion parallax, and insufficient light efficiency, are closely related to the inaccurate phase or angular reconstruction of the virtual light field. While the designs of light field modulators are widely introduced in all kinds of studies, the importance of fabrication for 3D display is usually under-estimated. Large format, small feature size, and high precision in shape are the three critical requirements of fabrication for 3D display. In this paper, we focus on the fabrication technologies for light-modulating structures. Fabrication tools for both microstructures and nanostructures are introduced. The fabrication capability, critical challenges and its applications in light field 3D display are discussed. Finally, the future development of 3D display related fabrication technologies are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the lotus leaf in nature, superhydrophobic materials have attracted considerable attention in both science and industry over the past three decades. Apart from the most characteristic yet widely used properties such as waterproofing, anti‐fouling, and self‐cleaning, superhydrophobic materials have also developed exciting new functions such as drag reduction, corrosion resistance, anti‐icing, anti‐bacteria, and anti‐reflection. In this review article, the theoretical models describing superhydrophobic surfaces are first briefly introduced. Then, the most common substrates and strategies for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces are presented. After that, the application scenarios for superhydrophobic materials in various fields of daily life are systematically presented, from transportation, architecture/building protection, oil/water separation, and seawater desalination to biomedical device fabrication, biosensing, energy conversion and utilization, and textile manufacturing. In particular, the special functional properties are presented and the most representative applications of superhydrophobic materials in the last decade are highlighted. Finally, the potential challenges in translating superhydrophobic materials from the laboratory to practical applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, most carbon fibres are used as reinforcement for polymers. Fabrication technologies for carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are now reaching a mature state that effectively replaces metals in various technical fields, including aerospace, sporting equipment, civil engineering, etc. However, there are many structures in which metal alloys cannot be replaced with CFRPs because of, firstly, the limited temperatures that plastics can survive, and secondly, the relatively low fracture toughness of CFRPs. This has led researchers to develop carbon-fibre/metal-matrix composites (CFMMCs), considering aluminium, titanium, and nickel alloys as potential matrix materials. The present paper presents a review of the corresponding results, focusing on those obtained in the current century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design modification to an existing 3D-trenched pixel detector is proposed, aimed at an improved fabrication yield. The device concept is studied and its performance is evaluated by TCAD simulations, in comparison to the existing one. Although the modified design features a less uniform electric field distribution, it is still expected to yield a very good timing performance and high radiation tolerance, also exploiting charge multiplication effects.

In the past few years, there has been an increasing interest toward 3D silicon radiation detectors. Owing to their unique architecture, 3D detectors provide a remarkable radiation hardness at relatively low bias voltage (hence low power dissipation), that makes them the most appealing solution for use in the innermost layers of tracking detectors in High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. Besides this primary application, the use of 3D sensor technology has been extended also to other fields, like thermal neutron detection and microdosimetry for proton and ion therapy. In this paper, we will review the state of the art and on going efforts in 3D detectors, covering the main design and technological issues, as well as selected results from the experimental characterization and TCAD simulation.

Lightweight and high-strength sandwich structures with advanced materials are essential for the sustainable development of future industrial development. This paper focuses on investigating the fabrication technology and compression properties of the three-dimensional sandwich structure with lattice cores fabricated by using the continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyether ether ketone (CCF/PEEK). A novel fabrication technology for continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyether ether ketone lattice core is proposed utilizing the unique characteristic of repeated thermoforming of continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyether ether ketone. A mould was designed and then the continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyether ether ketone lattice cores were fabricated. Typical adhesive technology is selected to connect facesheets and lattice cores. The out-of-plane compression behaviors of continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyether ether ketone sandwich structures with lattice cores were investigated by experiment and simulation. Compared with the experimental results, the reliability and correctness of the simulation model were verified. By dint of the simulation model, the effect of stacking sequence of the lattice cores on the structural compression properties was investigated, and the correctness of lattice cores adopted ± 45 ° stacking sequence in this paper was proved. The continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyether ether ketone lattice sandwich structures exhibit the competitive compression strength with other thermoplastic sandwich structures and surpasses some metal foams at a range of densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dimensional (2D) materials have offered unique electrical, chemical, mechanical and physical properties over the past decade owing to their ultrathin, flexible, and multilayer structure. These layered materials are being used in numerous electronic devices for various applications, and this review will specifically focus on the resistive random access memories (RRAMs) based on 2D materials and their nanocomposites. This study presents the device structures, conduction mechanisms, resistive switching properties, fabrication technologies, challenges and future aspects of 2D-materials-based RRAMs. Graphene, derivatives of graphene and MoS2 have been the major contributors among 2D materials for the application of RRAMs; however, other members of this family such as hBN, MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2 have also been inspected more recently as the functional materials of nonvolatile RRAM devices. Conduction in these devices is usually dominated by either the penetration of metallic ions or migration of intrinsic species. Most prominent advantages offered by RRAM devices based on 2D materials include fast switching speed (10 years), high electrical endurance (>108 voltage cycles) and extended mechanical robustness (500 bending cycles). Resistive switching properties of 2D materials have been further enhanced by blending them with metallic nanoparticles, organic polymers and inorganic semiconductors in various forms.

The electric field distributions along gas-solid interfaces determine the reliability, lifetimes and sizes of gaseous insulated switchgears/pipelines (GIS/GIL), which also affect the reliability of power systems. In this study, the characteristics of steady and transient electric field distributions were first introduced, followed by the concept of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The development histories of FGM applied in electrical engineering and the related optimisation methods were described in detail. The field regulation effect and fabrication technology of different FGM insulators were also compared. To overcome the limitations of traditional FGM insulators, the design of surface FGM (SFGM) was proposed, together with their preparation methods and electrical performance. Furthermore, the future development prospects of FGM and SFGM insulators for compact GIS/GIL were summarised.

Two dimensional (2D) materials have offered unique electrical, chemical, mechanical and physical properties over the past decade owing to their ultrathin, flexible, and multilayer structure. These layered materials are being used in numerous electronic devices for various applications, and this review will specifically focus on the resistive random access memories (RRAMs) based on 2D materials and their nanocomposites. This study presents the device structures, conduction mechanisms, resistive switching properties, fabrication technologies, challenges and future aspects of 2D-materials-based RRAMs. Graphene, derivatives of graphene and MoS2 have been the major contributors among 2D materials for the application of RRAMs; however, other members of this family such as hBN, MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2 have also been inspected more recently as the functional materials of nonvolatile RRAM devices. Conduction in these devices is usually dominated by either the penetration of metallic ions or migration of intrinsic species. Most prominent advantages offered by RRAM devices based on 2D materials include fast switching speed (<10 ns), less power losses (10 pJ), lower threshold voltage (<1 V) long retention time (>10 years), high electrical endurance (>108 voltage cycles) and extended mechanical robustness (500 bending cycles). Resistive switching properties of 2D materials have been further enhanced by blending them with metallic nanoparticles, organic polymers and inorganic semiconductors in various forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of low-noise silicon junction field-effect transistors (JFET) with a split-channel concept. The device can be manufactured as a module in a standard CMOS process. The channel is split under the top gate of the JFET into a source-side main channel and a drain-side-extended drain channel. Devices with design gate length between 1.0 and 3.0 μm and effective channel length between 0.1 and 2.2 μm were fabricated. It is shown that transconductance and channel resistance are dominated by the overlap between the main channel and the top gate. Output resistance can be enhanced by increasing the overlap of the extended drain channel with the top gate. A cutoff frequency of up to 2.5 GHz, 60-mS/mm maximum transconductance, and an intrinsic gain of 2200 were achieved. For the main channel length below 1~μm, a strong roll-off behavior of the threshold voltage is observed. The flicker-corner frequency for 1/ƒ noise is 500 Hz. Above 1 kHz, a value of 2.5-nV/√Hz input-referred voltage noise density at 0.3-pF input capacitance was achieved. Also, a brief comparison to devices from other publications is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A systematic study on the pilot-scale fabrication of NF membranes and modules. • The NF module exhibits a flux of 75 L m−2 h−1 and MgSO 4 rejection of 95% at 6 bar. • The NF modules hold bright potential in potable and mineral water treatment. Few studies have reported on the detail of the mass production process of nanofiltration (NF) membranes and modules due to technical confidentiality. This work presents a procedure of fabrication of NF membranes and modules on the pilot scale. Thin film composite (TFC) NF flat-sheet membranes of 300 mm width were continuously fabricated via custom-designed equipment. The fabrication parameters and their effects on NF performance were systematically investigated. The optimized conditions parameters were achieved for excellent NF modules' performance. The modules show over 75 L m−2 h−1 flux at 6 bar and over 95% MgSO 4 rejection. This study may provide insightful guidelines for the scale-up of NF membranes for water treatment and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are a promising power source for realizing a self‐powered sensor, which is a primary component of the rapidly developing Internet of Things. Here, the fabrication of a prototype for a compact and flexible TEG (CF‐TEG) using ultra‐fine chip mounting technique is reported. The CF‐TEG consisting of 84 p‐n pairs was fabricated on a 10 × 10 mm2 flexible substrate. A temperature difference (dT) of 150 K is successfully established for this TEG. Its maximum output voltage and power density are obtained as 2.4 V and 185 mW cm−2, respectively, which corresponds to a conversion efficiency of 1.12% at dT = 150 K. Further, the experimental results are validated through theoretical analysis in which the contact effects are taken into account. This analysis is also used to elucidate the effect of thermal and electrical contact resistance on the output power. It is observed that ≈40% output power of this device is lost by these resistances, which proves that the contact properties significantly affect the performance of the TEG device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants is the property of Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The design and fabrication technology of test objects in the form of slit-like grooves with a rectangular profile and certified widths in the range of 50–500 nm in silicon are described. Experimental results that substantiate sections of the technology of groove fabrication and confirm the basic properties of the produced structures are given. The test objects are intended for calibrating scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and studying the mechanisms of SEM-image formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The INFN CSN5 "TIMESPOT" project aims at the development and implementation of a complete integrated tracking system featuring very high precision both in space and in time for every pixel. Within this framework we are developing 3D pixel sensors optimized for timing, while retaining their usual advantages of low depletion voltage, extreme radiation hardness, and active edges. The pixel geometries are being optimized in terms of size, electrode configuration and shape. In particular, trenched electrodes are used instead of columns, so as to achieve more uniform electric and weighting field profiles. No established technology exists for 3D sensors with trenched electrodes, so we have developed and tested the necessary process steps. In this paper we report the main design and fabrication issues and selected results from TCAD simulations. Highlights • We report on 3D pixel sensors with trenched electrodes optimized for timing. • We thoroughly discussed the design and technological aspects. • We studied with TCAD the trade-off between intrinsic speed and pixel capacitance. • We demonstrated the technological feasibility of the proposed geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft nano- or microgels made by natural or synthetic polymers have been investigated intensively because of their board applications. Due to their porosity and biocompatibility, nano- or microgels can be integrated with various biologics to form a bio-hybrid system. They can support living cells as a scaffold; entrap bioactive molecules as a drug carrier or encapsulate microorganisms as a semi-permeable membrane. Especially, researchers have created various modes of functional dynamics into these bio-hybrid systems. From one side, the encapsulating materials can respond to the external stimulus and release the cargo. From the other side, cells can respond to physical, or chemical properties of the matrix and differentiate into a specific cell type. With recent advancements of synthetic biology, cells can be further programed to respond to certain signals, and express therapeutics or other functional proteins for various purposes. Thus, the integration of nano- or microgels and programed cells becomes a potential candidate in applications spanning from biotechnology to new medicines. This brief review will first talk about several nano- or microgels systems fabricated by natural or synthetic polymers, and further discuss their applications when integrated with various types of biologics. In particular, we will concentrate on the dynamics embedded in these bio-hybrid systems, to dissect their designs and sophisticated functions.

In this Letter, a 1.2 kV SiC power MOSFET with a partially widened retrograde P-well (RP) structure and N-implanting region is proposed to enhance the device's reliability. Compared with the conventional SiC power MOSFET, the short circuit (SC) ability of the proposed structure can be improved effectively without sacrificing other performance. Simulation results reveal that a 40% reduction of the SC saturation current can be achieved, resulting in the SC withstand time increase from 7 to 10 μs at the DC-link voltage 800 V. Moreover, a better gate oxide reliability at 1.2 kV blocking condition also can be achieved. The peak electric field at the gate oxide interface is decreased by ∼48% owing to the shielding effect of the RP structure. In addition, the fabrication technology of the proposed structure is compatible with the standard planar SiC MOSFET manufacture process only with a few additional implanting steps. Therefore, this new MOSFET structure provides a simple and effective way to optimise the reliability of the planar SiC power MOSFET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive review on the mechanism of pore formation, mechanical properties, and applications of metallic porous materials. The different manufacturing techniques of metallic porous materials using various pore-forming agents (e.g., sodium chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, magnesium, and cenosphere) are highlighted in the first part of this review. Subsequently, the pore formation mechanismand pore morphology in final products as well as corresponding pore-forming agent removal techniques (e.g., sintering-dissolution process, thermally stimulated decomposition, thermally melted elimination, and embedding cenosphere technique) are specifically discussed. Then, some major influential factors on the mechanism of pore formation, including pore size, shape, distribution, and porosity, are analyzed in detail. Meanwhile, the primary mechanical properties such as compressive strength, elastic modulus, fatigue properties, and flexural strength of metallic porous materials depending on pore morphology and porosity are explored in detail. Furthermore, their applications in structural and functional aspects according to their pore morphology and mechanical properties are emphatically summarized. Finally, this review article highlights some important factors for advanced wear-resistant tool and biomedical implant applications of porous metallic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Systematically introduced and evaluated the fabrication technology of IPMCs. • Deeply analyzed the relationship between fabrication technology and performance. • The applications of IPMCs in actuation robots and sensing systems are summarized. • This work contributes to the development of materials with desirable properties. Intelligent materials are one of the important directions in the development of modern high-tech new materials, realizing structural functionalization and functional diversification. As a new type of intelligent material, ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) artificial muscle is considered as an ideal material to develop the next generation of flexible robots. In this paper, the working principle of IPMC is analyzed from the microscopic perspective. Subsequently, the fabrication technologies of IPMC are divided into two categories according to their complexity: single fabrication technology and combined fabrication technology, and the effective combination of several methods in the combined fabrication technology is highlighted. The properties of IPMC prepared by different methods are analyzed and compared. The research advances of IPMC in flexible actuation robots and intelligent sensing systems are analyzed in detail. Finally, the future development directions are discussed and foreseen. This paper will provide guidance for the fabrication of high performance IPMC and lay the theoretical foundation for the design and application of IPMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present hereafter a study of complex bandpass optical interference filters with central wavelengths ranging in blue region or in the near infrared. For these applications, the required functions are particularly complex as they must present a very narrow bandwidth as well as a high level of rejection over a broad spectral range. Moreover, these components must have a good flatness meaning that the stress induced by the different layers has to be taken in account in the filter design. We present a thorough study of these filters including their design, fabrication using Plasma Assisted Reactive Magnetron Sputtering (PARMS) and characterization. Excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical spectral performances associated with a final sag of 326 and 13 nm, and uniformity from −0.05 to 0.10 and −0.10 to 0.20% are demonstrated for the two manufactured filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to fabricate an n-type semiconductor through a combustion flame with addition of nitrogen and to determine the optimum conditions for the synthesis. Although p-type diamond semiconductors, in which holes carry positive charges, can be fabricated at present, methods for fabricating n-type diamond semiconductors have not yet been established to such an extent as to yield substantial results. We have shown that nitrogen atoms form covalent bonds with carbon atoms, which have sp 3 hybrid orbitals in the films and the synthesized diamond doped with nitrogen exhibits the electronic characteristics of an n-type semiconductor at low temperature range (423–573 K), and carbon atoms in the synthesized film have sp 3 hybrid orbitals. In addition, we have evaluated the semiconducting properties of diamond films. In the intrinsic semiconductor region, the logarithmic plot of the volume resistivity of the nitrogen-doped diamond films increases almost linearly with decreasing temperature. The volume resistivity of 1.0%-nitrogen-doped synthetic diamond film is shown to be lower than that of 0.5%-nitrogen-doped synthetic diamond film. The optimum synthesis condition for these films for semiconductor applications corresponds to equivalence ratio of 2.55 and nitrogen addition rate of less than 1.0%. Under these conditions the synthesis facilitates the doping of nitrogen and suppresses amorphous carbon generation in the diamond film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, high-efficient and low-cost perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have triggered a strong interest in the photovoltaic (PV) field. However, it is still challenging to develop cost-effective perovskite fabrication technologies for meeting the demands of mass production. The latest developed tubular chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with high level of controllability, versatility, and scalability has emerged as a promising preparation method for perovskites. Thus here we summarize the recent progress of perovskites grown by CVD approaches, and give emphasis not only to the preparation methods and reaction mechanisms but also to the related structures and specific properties, and also highlight their prospective PV application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene (G)-based composite materials have been widely explored for the sensing applications ascribing to their atom-thick two-dimensional conjugated structures, high conductivity, large specific surface areas and controlled modification. With the enormous advantages of film structure, G-based composite films (GCFs), prepared by combining G with different functional nanomaterials (noble metals, metal compounds, carbon materials, polymer materials, etc.), show unique optical, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and catalytic properties. Therefore, great quantities of sensors with high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability have been created in recent years. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the fabrication technologies of GCFs and their specific sensing applications. In addition, the relationship between the properties of GCFs and sensing performance is concentrated on. Finally, the personal perspectives and key challenges of GCFs are mentioned in the hope to shed a light on their potential future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]